Childers finally decides, but MSGOP says voters won’t have to wonder about Republicans

RoM isn’t sure which statement came out first, but it doesn’t really matter, because the point is the same. Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Brad White issued a statement today criticizing Travis Childers for being “wishy-washy” on what is “not a difficult decision” on the the health care vote. White said a real conservative would have made the decision months ago. Meanwhile, Travis Childers finally, after what has apparently been an agonizing period of internal debte, announced his decision today to vote against the Democratic Party sponsored measure. Here are both of them.

MSGOP Chairman Brad White said:

“National reporters wonder whether Travis Childers will vote for or against Obamacare. But Mississippians in the First Congressional District already have their answer. If Travis Childers were a conservative, he would have already announced his opposition. If Travis Childers represented the will of his district, he would have already said ‘no’ to Nancy Pelosi. Were Travis Childers a Republican, he would be fighting against Obamacare not being wishy-washy on how he will vote. Voters have their answer already about Travis Childers: he is no conservative and he doesn’t represent their principles.”

“Republicans have three candidates running to oppose Childers in November and there is no doubt in my mind that each, were they in his position now, would have announced weeks, months, a year ago that they opposed this socialized health care plan.”

“Even if Travis Childers gets Pelosi’s permission to vote against the bill, it will be too late for him politically, because he will have already proven he is more interested in National Democratic Party politics than the principles of his district. This is not a difficult decision and Mississippians shouldn’t have to wonder about Travis Childers. I can promise you, voters won’t have to wonder if they elect a Republican to represent them because they will know they have elected a true conservative and not a Pelosi minion.”

1st District Congressman Travis Childers said:

“Today, too many hard-working North Mississippians are struggling in the face of soaring premiums and unemployment that leaves them without coverage. I know how important health care reform is to the millions of people who can’t afford rising costs or simply don’t have access to quality care. But I also know how important it is to get health care reform right.

“After months of debate, I still don’t believe we’ve gotten it right, and I will not be able to support this legislation when it comes to the House floor for a vote. Some disagree with this decision, and I respect that. I want them to know that this has never been about political pressure from any party, organization, or special interest – for me, this has always been about doing what’s best for the people North Mississippi. Since the beginning of this debate, I’ve met and talked with thousands of constituents throughout the district. Their thoughts and concerns have been fundamental to my decision-making and I take them to heart.

“I have reviewed the bill and I remain deeply concerned about the legislation’s large price tag and the absence of sufficiently strong language to prohibit federal funding of abortion. While I voted against the last House health care reform bill, I supported the Stupak Amendment to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortion. The current legislation lacks equally strong language.

“In addition, insurance companies, which are a large part of the problem, need to be a bigger part of the solution. Last month, I was proud to join an overwhelmingly bipartisan majority of my colleagues in voting to repeal the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies. I would like to see similar bipartisan efforts to increase competition and lower costs for hard-working families.

“I hope that when the bill does come to the floor, it’s done so in the most democratic and transparent way possible. The legislative process is intended to support constructive debate and promote accountability. While certain processes may be acceptable for some issues, they don’t work for an issue with the wide-reaching implications of health care reform.

“Mississippians need a health care system that offers affordable premiums, ensures coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, and provides equal access to care for individuals in rural communities. While I cannot vote for current House legislation, I remain committed to effective, fiscally responsible health care reform that makes sense for North Mississippi, and I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to that end.”